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Here are tips to apply blush properly

Look healthier and more awake with the right shade of blush applied correctly

Replicate model Miranda Kerr’s look (above) with a blusher that suits your skin tone. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
PHOTOS: 3 CONCEPT EYES, CLARINS, INNISFREE, RMK, TARTE, TOO FACED, ZOEVA

How to apply blush effectively and choose the right hue for your skin

A good blush is one of the basic make-up must-haves for any beauty junkie. The right shade applied on the right areas of the face can make you look healthier and more awake.

But how do you get that perfect rosy look? Do you apply the product on the apples, cheekbones or cheek hollows?

Ms Elyse Reneau, global pro artist at American cosmetics label Too Faced, says there is an easy way to apply blush to always look refreshed.

She also gives tips on how to select the right shade.

•As easy as X and O

One of her favourite ways to take the guesswork out of blush is to use Too Faced's signature "X and O" technique, which gives the cheeks a lifted appearance. Using a blush brush, start at the high point of your cheekbone and sweep down towards the apple and make the letter X, then blend it back upwards with small Os.

•When it is too much

If you feel like you have used too much product, you can apply a little compact powder over it to blend it out or use the leftover foundation on your make-up sponge to blot it down.

•The right shade

Pastel tones are great on fair skin because they brighten instantly, but still look soft and natural. Olive and deeper skin tones tend to come alive with brighter shades of pink and berry.

•A universal colour

If you cannot seem to find your perfect pink, try a peach and bronze tone blush, which is flattering on all skin tones.

Here are some products to try:

1. Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush, $47, from Tarte, available at Sephora outlets

The label says the Amazonian clay helps to minimise oil and keep the product in place for a longer period of time.

2. Blush Prodige, $55, from Clarins counters

This lightweight powder blush has both matt and luminous tones to create a more radiant finish.

3. Powder Cheeks, $49, from RMK counters

The soft natural colour blends easily into the skin.

4. Papa Don't Peach, $45, from Too Faced

The warm bronze and peach tone blush also has the light, sweet scent of peaches.

5. Eco Beauty Tool Master Powder Brush, $25, from Innisfree

The soft round powder brush is perfect for creating a natural flush.

6. Luxe Cheek Finish, $28, from Zoeva, available at Sephora outlets

This cheek brush, made of dye-free natural and synthetic bristles, has a dome-shaped head that allows for easier blending.

7. Blush Brush #12, $42, from 3 Concept Eyes, available at Sephora outlets

Ideal for powder blushes, this fluffy brush has a round shape that is designed to deposit colour smoothly and evenly.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 06, 2017, with the headline Here are tips to apply blush properly. Subscribe